Dell DW316
Score: 73/100
Asus ZenDrive V1M
Score: 75/100Rankings
ASUS ZenDrive V1M is a slim USB-C external DVD writer that supports M-DISC archival media and includes a retractable 24 cm cable for cable-free portability. It provides solid 24× CD and 8× DVD speeds, though it is heavier than some rivals and comes with only a one-year warranty. Suited for professionals needing reliable long-term storage and cross-platform compatibility.
The Dell DW316 is a lightweight, tray-loading external DVD drive with USB 2.0 plug-and-play and M-DISC archival support. It offers solid build quality and a high MTBF, but its USB 2.0 interface and modest buffer limit burn speeds. Suited for Dell laptop owners who need reliable CD/DVD access with M-DISC capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 8 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 200 gbest | 340 g |
| ↓ lower better | 14 mmbest | 15.24 mm |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB 2.0 | USB Type-C |
USB Standard | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Features(1) | ||
Supported Media | CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM (SL/DL), DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, M-DISC (DVD+R SL), CD Extra, CD-DA, CD-I, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD, Video CD, DVD-V | DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, CD‑R, CD‑RW |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 200 g | 340 g |
Thickness (mm) | 14 mm | 15.24 mm |
General(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows 7/8/8.1/10 | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, macOS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and Dell's own marketing material present the DW316 as a dependable, plug-and-play external drive that meets the baseline performance expectations for CD/DVD media. They commend its Dell-specific compatibility, inclusion of M-DISC support, and the bundled CyberLink software, while noting the lack of a USB 3.0 interface and the modest buffer size as drawbacks compared with competing models.
Everyday users generally praise the drive's portability, ease of setup and ability to handle legacy media on modern laptops. Positive comments focus on the slim form factor and M-DISC capability, whereas recurring criticisms revolve around slower USB 2.0 speeds and the limited buffer affecting burn times.
“Plug and Play disc burning solution for USB ports”
